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Topic: Trot Tactics Denis Smith (Read 353525 times)

Glamorganvale based Taleah McMullen, took out the Garrards--Marburg Young Driver's Series last Sunday. The Series, run over two meetings and four rounds, is designed to showcase emerging driving talent in the Greater Ipswich footprint. Such events require considerable talent, firstly, genuine ability to consistently drive good races throughout the series, and secondly, to be able to establish a viable working arrangement with the horse in the short time allotted for the preliminary.Taleah is a member of the Beryl Dawson harness dynasty, and, in a short time as a licencee has amassed stats of 456 drives, resulting in 31 wins, 96 placings, and a bankroll of $172,293. In this instance, however, we should look at Taleah as an individual. In a Driving Championship, there are only three factors, Driver, Horse and Opposition. Family connections become irrelevant. It was a great effort!!

In a rare day at the "Burg" there was only one "odds-on" favourite, Montana Chief, winner of the first race. On the same program there were four training and or driving doubles achieved. Depending on one's position in the pecking order, a race day double can be a big or insignificant milestone in a harness career. Tony Jenkins, who has trained for more years than he might want to remember, led in a career first with Cutmearinhalf and Eulo Flyer. Jack Colley-Presnell drove Eulo Flyer and Springfield Spirit, Kay Crone trained Daveys Gift and Dollarbill, and the David and Andrew Millard combo took out the last two races with Diamonds From Heaven, and Our Diamond Edition. A day to remember.

Marburg races next on Sunday December 9th with Sky Channel coverage, and TAB Van on course. All the traditional country harness attractions, with a full run-down next Saturday.

The following message from Breeders Owners Trainers and Reinspersons, puts us in the picture regarding the destination of the $2 million mentioned below. Far be it for Botra to consult with the majority of the sports's participants on this matter. In the last 20 years, any negotiators working close to the throne, have treated their peers like mushrooms, and the sport has paid the price. "Transparency", in the context of Queensland Harness, appears to have a different meaning to that published in the Oxford Concise English dictionary!.

"Dear Industry Participants,Following on from the Racing Queensland (RQ) decision of yesterday to allocate $2 million to Harness Racing from the Pont Of Consumption Tax, the contemplated industrial action is now on hold as further talks with RQ are proceeding regarding prize money allocations from this funding, therefore it is business as usual for now and a further update will be issued in the coming days."Dan CostelloBOTRA

Racing Queensland has revealed how prize money increases for harness racing will be distributed to industry, following the announcement of a $2 million stakes increase on Tuesday.Highlights of the prize money increase are listed below:QBRED EnhancementsA new look QBRED scheme where horses will be ‘QBRED For Life’ has been introduced. The offer includes enduring returns for all eligible QBRED horses of any age during their racing career. $10,000 First win bonus in Queensland at any age upon winning a race with a stake value higher than $4,500. $7,500 Second win bonus in Queensland in any subsequent racing season following the First Win bonus being won, providing a race stake value higher than $4,500. Further enhancement to the QBRED Cash component of the scheme

The new scheme will commence from 1 September 2019. However, for the 2018/19 season the 2YO bonus will increase to $10,000 effective immediately. Further details on the mechanics of the new scheme including sustaining fees will be discussed with industry prior to implementation.(Now there's a change of tactics)Trainers’ Percentages – Effective 1 December 2018The trainers stakes percentage will increase by 2.5% (from 5% to 7.5%) to help support the important role trainers play in the industry. Importantly this increase will be on top of existing stakes levels to ensure owners are not negatively impacted. This will also bring Queensland in line with other states. Trotters’ Bonus – Effective 1 December 2018A $2,000 first-win bonus will be paid to the owners of any trotter upon its first win in Queensland, subject to the horse being trained by a Queensland trainer. This initiative complements RQ’s strategy to grow the active racing population of trotters in the state which in 17/18 resulted in a growth in trotting races of 14%.General Prizemoney Increases – Effective 1 December 2018. $1,000 increase for all ‘Band Penalty’ races. ‘Restricted Penalty’ races at Redcliffe increased to a minimum $3,500. Career Penalty’ Races at Redcliffe and Albion Park lifted to a minimum $5,000.

Now the piece that all the participants who provide the base for the Queensland Harness Pyramid have been waiting to hear.. "In addition to these initiatives RQ will continue to convert non-TAB product to TAB where possible and work with stakeholders to expand racing opportunities for hobbyist participants." Yes, you heard it right.NOTHING for the hobbyists!! It could perhaps be thought that a thick hide and no conscience were the primary requirements for a seat on both sides of the negotiating table!!Roll out of these initiatives (with the exception of the QBRED enhancements) will commence from Saturday night’s Albion Park Race meeting (1 December 2018) which features the Group 3 Be Good Johnny Sprint.

The moving finger writes, and this week it writes that driver Nathan Dawson dominated his sulky-sitting rivals, posting six wins for a rate of 300. On the hardworking trainer's side of the board Ron Sallis and Darrell Graham could not be separated, finishing the week on three winners apiece.Most pleasing. Tony Jenkins training double at the home venue. Ipswich factor 23/42.

It's a long way, and a long time for the school girl from the Seven Mile at Rosewood to be at Melton in Victoria for the Inter-dominion Grand Final of 2018. It's not a fairy tale, but yet another high point in the stellar career of Natalie Rasmussen, undisputed Queen of the "inters", thanks to her training and driving exploits with the mighty Blacks A Fake, winner of no less than four Grand Finals and $4,575,438 in a career spanning 102 starts.

Here at Melton, Rasmussen is co-trainer and driver of Spankem and Cruz Bromac The new Zealand based 'All Stars Stable" pair are $4 co-favourites for the "big one"after two nights of TAB Inter Dominion, repeating their eye-catching first-up efforts at Tabcorp Park with a pair of impressive performances on a brilliant night’s racing at Ballarat. Having just saluted in the last of the night’s ID18 heats with Cruz Bromac Rasmussen told Sky Racing’s Jason Bonnington, that choosing her drive on December 15’s Inter Dominion finals night at Tabcorp Park Melton was an “out of the hat” decision.“They’re both beautiful horses,” Rasmussen said. “They both have strength and they are both tough.”Cruz Bromac was ultra-impressive in overcoming his back row draw to round up leader Audi Hare and hold off fast finishing Galactic Star to salute in 1:53.5.“That was a lovely run for him,” Rasmussen said. “He hit the line good. Last week was a good confidence builder and tonight even better. I just went to the line nice and kind with him.”

Low but interesting numbers on the leader board this week. Narissa McMullen headed up the drivers with four wins and a 200 rating to take the top spot, just one win in advance of regular Nathan Dawson, who rated 150 for his three victories. Trainers Ron Sallis and Darrell Graham led in two winners apiece to share the honours. Most pleasing were Saturday night winner Beau Cishlom for Karen Schulz and Headwin for partner,Alan Godwin on Thursday. Once again, geography was the key with all six successful folk based in the lower Brisbane Valley.

Harness Racing in Australia has often been described as a family sport with offspring following their parents into the game. Many such involvements are in their third and sometimes fourth generation. Here in the Ipswich footprint, we have yet another such dynasty on the rise. Based at Calvert, the Elkins family is well and truly on the rise . Father Greg, turning 61 next month has had 40 years "hands on", all of it here in Queensland after moving from Victoria. His stats are impressive having driven 175 winners and 468 placings while training no less than 340 with 834 placings. There are two sons in the pipeline, with Matt, who is fully employed in the home stable, having greeted the judge on 250 occasions while placing a further 650 times. The youngest member is Justin, and is getting on the board with 10 wins and 29 placings from a small number of drives. The horse numbers rarely exceed the current tally of 15 of which ten are actively racing at this time, a very high percentage indeed. Greg Elkins is not particularly happy with the state of harness in Queensland at present, declaring that races are programmed with too many conditions, especially barrier draws based on "dollars earned in last 3 or 6 starts. This he says, guarantees that an honest horse , racing consistently, is assured of an unfavourable draw in many races. On this principle he does not nominate on many occasions, preferring to stay home rather than go round with no realistic chance of earning. Held together on the home front by Lynn, "Team Elkins" is far enough up the ladder to weather most storms. Expect them to be around for a long time to come!

Tonight,at Melton Victoria, all the big questions asked in the last fortnight will be answered. In the Trotters Inter-Dominion Grand Final, the No 1 barrier falling to Speeding Spur, tends to equalise the anticipated head to head contest with $1.60 favourite Tornado Valley, which will start from gate 6. The same factor improves the chances of Save Our Pennys, Big Jack Hammer, and Kyvalley Blur. By the same token, there are no mugs in this field. A mistake by any of the top five, can change the whole outcome! In the pacers Grand final, it is hard to go past the Purdon /Rasmussen pair, Spankem and Cruz Bromac. They have dominated in the series, and barrier draws appear to be of little consequence, both having the ability to make their own luck.The most likely upset may come from the No 1 horse, Galactic Star. The usual but peculiar discrimination that exists between the lateral and diagonal gaits exists here. On a night when HRV is distributing $915,000, the pacers Grand Final is of $500,00 and the Trotters, who, after all, founded the sport and the breed, do battle for $150,000. Strange but true!

Christmas is just 10 days away, but you can have a sneak preview of Santa Claus at Marburg tomorrow week, Sunday, December 23. The gentleman in the red suit is likely to make his entry and departure on the back of the mobile barrier, but the goodwill, and, importantly, the lollies, are sure to be in the festive tradition. The happy folk of the MPA will be serving up a strong card of country harness racing, there will be a $100 free bet voucher for some lucky racegoer, drawn after Race 1, the pick The Last Six Winners Jackpot is up to $2100, and your $500 'funny money" is in the racebook. There are 20 prizes in the Leukaemia Foundation raffle, and the ever popular petting zoo for the kids. Just the cheapest beverage and tasty food available at any sporting venue, Mini trotters and Pat A Pony, always a hit with kids and adults alike make Marburg Trots a very affordable family entertainment. Adults $5, Members and Pensioners $3, Race books $3. Come and get close up to the speed and excitement on the 700 metre circuit. We'd love to see you there. Gates open 11.00am.

Narissa McMullen lights up the driver's side of the leader board this week, her rate of 300 coming from six wins. Closest were Matt Elkins and Nathan Dawson, each rating 200 from four wins apiece. Top trainer for the first time was Greg Elkins with a blistering four winners at Marburg, nosing out Ron Sallis, ever consistent on three. Most pleasing were the emergence of Newmerella Mollie as a serious talent for "Team Towns" and the six winners at Marburg, all hailing from Calvert, for Warren Hinze, Ray Cross and Greg Elkins. Maybe, the Fernvale/ Brisbane Valley hoodoo is broken!

That was the Year that was 2018.. Out Marburg way we saw a number of of interesting events. At Easter, the MPA was subject of a TAB/RQ experiment when the Easter Sunday Fun Day meeting went into the pubs, clubs and lounge rooms of Australia via SKY 2. At the same time we drew a masssive 1,200 people on course, whose punting requirements were covered by a portable TOTE van and two bookmakers. Several more successful "trial" meetings convinced Racing Queensland that Marburg had something to offer, and the MPA was elevated to Tier 2 status, which, in simple terms, means a Club hosting in excess of 12 TAB meetings per year. It also means, in simple terms, a Club whose financial picture changes dramatically for the better. If the MPA does get the mooted 26 meetings per year there will be considerable cash available to do the things that all clubs in that position should do. Provision of better facilities for participants and public alike, better maintenance of equipment, much higher promotion budget,and part paid positions to relieve some of the stress on long time volounteers who have kept the Club afloat for many years, expecting no reward, and getting nothing but the satisfaction of a job well done. Readers must understand however ,that this extra cash does not come without strings. Along with Tier 2 status, RQ Club Compliance requirements include a monthly financial report that covers the smallest item of income and expenditure so no one be concerned about the destination of the monies. RQ will give it and MPA will spend it, in the best interests of Ipswich area harness.

In the matter of sponsorship,the MPA has had a marvelous year. All our regular sponsors are still with us and we have picked up two others in Oakwood Capital, and feed giant, Barastoc, both of whom have come on board at Easter. We sincerely thank them all, as sponsorship,again, provides cash or goods which can underpin a Club's operation in many ways while generating goodwill within our racing community. Never to be underestimated is the support that Marburg receives week in week out from the Queensland Times and it's editorial team. No one could put a price on it!!

2018 was a year of surprises, most of them pleasant. We must hope that 2019 is a year of consolidation, when we make permanent and improve, the ground we have gained. May we all wake up on next Wednesday morning, with an optimistic view of our immediate future in harness!

Thing were different then.. A snapshot from the "Golden Age " of trotting when we did not have "wall to wall" racing by all three codes on a 24/7 basis. When we did not have instant communications , and something that happened half an hour ago was not old news. What we did have in harness was a massive following, a fan base that thronged to the tracks to watch trotting under lights, enthralled by the sparkle of chrome spokes and rims, and the glitter of polished brass fittings on highly polished leather harness. A nght at the trots was the equivalent of Christmas lights traveling at high speed on wheels and legs, and nobody boasted stats of a thousand winners in less than a decade.The following West Australian trainer/driver was an established Superstar from that golden era, when a win meant a great deal more than a bank transfer of prize money. Born on 5th January 1919, (died 1988), Bernie Cushing, in a career shortened by some six years of service with the AIF during the Second World War, was to put together one of the best records as a trainer and driver seen in this State.He drove some 524 winners (341 in Perth) and trained 570 winners (348 in Perth) including three WA Pacing Cup winners in Robert Sheen, Defiance and Daintys Daughter.This writer saw Bernie Cushing in action at Harold Park in the 1960's. He was the real deal, make no mistake! There, possibly, lies part of reason for our present somewhat depressed state. None of the decision makers in our sport today, have much of an idea where we came from, or, if they do, they don't care. If they knew, and if they did care.they might do what smart people lost in the woods do, re-trace their steps and avoid going round in circles.

Just like Santa is based at the North Pole, so the epicentre of Ipswich harness responds to the gravitational pull of the lower Brisbane Valley. The leader board's top driver was once again Pete McMullen with a massive 400 rating from 8 wins which include two trebles. Hayden Barnes and Matt Elkins managed half that total to rate a respectable 200 apiece. High point trainers were Chantal Turpin and Ron Sallis, each leading in three winners. Most pleasing was Monterey Jack for Willowbank based Colin Knox. "jack" got the Christmas ducks with Matt Elkins in the sulky.

The race dates are out, and the merry folk of Marburg have no less than 16 meetings for the 2019/2020 racing year at this point, most of which will be TAB fixtures. As the racing season and the racing year do not correlate, we head into 2019 with Greg Elkins leading the trainer's Premiership with 5 wins and 6 placings on the board. GC's elder son, Matt, is right up there as leading driver, and currently ahead in the horse stakes, is Clint Petroff's talented trotter, Stoned Again. The first meeting for the year will the Australia Day holiday on Monday, January 28. The MPA Committee have several projects on the boil and foremost at this point is provision of permanent "TOTE" facilities. It is, as they say, "all happening". Much depends on the crowd support we get from the local areas, and the Committee needs input from our fan base to ensure that we are supplying a promotable and viable product. If we work with our supporters we will all go forward together.

With the following press release, an 80 year, cleverly orchestrated program to re-direct the destiny of trotting in Australia, has come to fruition. Finally and at long last, the men of influence in harness, have totally Americanised what was once a brilliant, spectacular sport , available for participation to a very broad sector of the Australian population. They deserve our congratulations for a complete obliteration of a sport which throve on realistic handicapping through standing starts, middle distance and staying races. They have worked diligently to chase hobbyists from the game, never once realising that the methodology employed, mobile conditioned racing, was doing an equally brilliant job in removing the recreational punter, whose regular contribution to "turnover" is now so sorely missed that they dare not introduce the subject, for fear of attracting adverse comment. The boring, stultifying, and intellectually insulting, imported " one mile" vision from American tracks, which appears on Sky Channel in the morning slots, is about to become the prime time norm in this country. Something to look forward to!!!

The Miracle Mile, Sydney’s signature pacing event, will carry record prizemoney of $1 million next March, making it the richest harness race in the southern hemisphere.Club Menangle chairman Ray Sharman confirmed the $250,000 boost in stakes was fully funded and sustainable.Sydney now boasts the world’s richest turf race with the $14 million The Everest, the world’s richest greyhound race with the Million Dollar Chase, and the southern hemisphere’s richest harness race with the $1 million Miracle Mile.Sharman said the significant lift in prizemoney for the Miracle Mile (up from $750,000), which is run at Tabcorp Park Menangle on March 2, will “ensure that connections of all our Grand Circuit horses will endeavour to secure their place in this great race, further raising the profile of harness racing both in NSW and nationally.’’Trainers of horses such as thedefending Miracle Mile champion My Field Marshal (Tim Butt) and recent Inter Dominion Grand Final winner Tiger Tara (Kevin Pizzuto), which are both trained in NSW, will be enticed to concentrate on the Miracle Mile next March — now double in value of any other Grand Circuit race in Australia.My Field Marshal, who resumed at Menangle on Wednesday with an easy win, paced the fastest mile ever seen in Australasia when winning last year’s Miracle Mile clocking 1:46.9s.

Again a dead heat on the drivers side of the leader board this week with 200 raters, Narissa McMullen and Matt Elkins getting home first on four occasions each. Ron Sallis stood alone as top trainer, leading in four winners for the term. Most pleasing, Ominous Flyer for Dale Chalk breaking a frustrating run of close up placings in recent runs. Ipswich Factor 25/37..

There are many ways that an aspiring ,or established harness horse owner can come by racing stock with which to pursue his dream. The dream, of course, is high level race track success, with the accompanying raft of dollars, which he or she can use to finance subsequent tilts at glory. We all have the dreams, and very few of us, once bitten with the harness bug, can control,or abandon the tilting, unless we abandon hope at the same time. We now return to the options, and their relative chances of achieving "the dream". Firstly, you can buy an advertised horse, through the internet "Trading Ring"or "National Trotguide". Not for the "aspiring " owner, as the animal concerned is on the market because its current connections have no belief that it will ever achieve race track glory. May suit the established owner, as he or she may be looking for something to race in a particular area, or class bracket, where, should the horse improve a bit, it will be a bonus. Second option is the claiming race, where all the runners are for sale at a published price, and offer a quick entry into harness racing. Claim it tonight and it races for you next week. Consult an expert trainer who has regular runners in the "claimers", otherwise forget it!

Now we get down to the real deals, never losing sight of the ultimate goal, race track glory and megabucks. You could breed a champion. Not every owner wants to be a breeder, satisfying as it may be if it all works out. It is possible to buy really well bred mares that have won a race or two from limited starts and have a full or half-sister that has been a star juvenile. You then breed the mare to the top stallion of the day, (they get less dodos than their mates and will assist the sale should the owner fall out of love with the whole enterprise)setting in motion a three year cycle which is also a test of staying power in the bill paying department. It may, however, be the highway to the city of pure gold. It may also be the bullock track to the dump, but, the owner,and his trainer, are at least working with stock, the potential of which is completely unknown.

Now is the time of the year when our dream chasers get to exercise their democratic right to purchase a yearling at the two annual sales held here in Brisbane.The event under discussion today is the Queensland divison of the Australian Pacing Gold Sale. The heavily promoted APG auction is backed by international betting giant Ladbrokes and will see an offering of 46 juveniles go under the hammer at Albion Park Paceway on Sunday January 27, commencing at 12.00 noon. Yearlings bought here are eligible for a $100,000 race to be run in the 2019/20 season. This sale is considered the top end of the market, and is generally reflected in higher prices. This year's lineup is notable for the absence of a draft from Kevin and Kay Seymour's "Solid Earth" operation. Plus factors for the newcomer. If the youngster makes the grade as a two year old inner, it has only been a twelve months wait for a first return on the investment. In a normal progression, the horse will improve as it matures, so the dollars should keep coming. Just remember, a horse auction is a lottery, where the tickets have four legs. There are, on this occasion, just 46 tickets, and the only sure prize is the sales related race. Maybe your choice is the $100,000 race winner in the making. For the newcomer, take a top trainer to the sale,and follow his or her advice.Do not exceed your budget. The untried juvenile is always the best option if you want the best result!.

Just 16 days to the Monday TAB meeting. Watch this space.

Bullseye again in the lower Brisbane Valley. Local driving stars, Nathan Dawson and Pete McMullen went head to head all week, finishing on six wins apiece, and rating 300 in the process. Chantal Turpin, out on her own in the trainer's section producing six winners from the Patrick Estate barn. Most pleasing, Cupcakesnwhippedcream for Brian McCall at Albion Park. Brother Darren was up from Sydney to take the drive. Ipswich factor 29/44.

This week, we record the passing of a man that most of you may not know, but he was very closely aligned to the Donohoe family who made a very successful transition to Queensland many years ago from the Blue mountains area of Katoomba and Leura west of Sydney. Stan Bond was born on June 10, 1936, surrounded by harness folk to whom bush fires and snow were part of a year's events.In a sport where, it seems, we are unable to find much recorded history prior to the 1980s and computerisation, I am indebted to Peter Collier at Club Menangle, who has amassed an incredible archive on the lives and achievements of people who made harness great in the "Golden Years". Stan Bond would have been in his mid 30s , and had already tasted high success with Kerryfield, winner of the Harold Park Spring Cup of 1961 when he surfaced at Castle Hill, stabling with the peerless trainer driver, Bert Alley. Bond cut a pretty wide path with NZ pacer Single Tax, with whom he won 18 races. Later he returned to the mountain regions from where he trained and or drove for local greats, Keith Chick and Eric Thurtell, appearing behind the likes of Yonkers, Norm Bartel, Miss Hondo,and Burgundy Belle. At the same time he was putting the polish on high profile horses, Cheribon, Appollo Eleven, his all time favourite, Richana, and the enigmatic Raider Globe. Stan bonds last winner as a trainer was Roskilde at Richmond in 1986, a season in which he started 20 horses for the one win. His daughter Vicki took over and at 22 years of age in 1989 was the most successful lady trainer at Harold Park. Horses in the Vicki Bond team included Might Makus, Rompin Remus and Curraweena Johnny. Stan Bond was a quiet sort of bloke, quick to praise, and slow to criticise. Patience personified fits him well, as he would put the long yards into a horse if he thought the reward would come. He was a superb conditioner of a horse, an ice cold driver, and able to pass his knowledge on to others. One two legged success story was the star trainer driver, Denis Wilson, who received much of his early grounding with SB. Stan Bond is gone, and those of us who knew him are left to think well of his memory. He was, above all, a gentleman, and a horseman representative of his era.

With Christmas and New Year fading into the background for another 11 months, Marburg returns to racing on Monday week, 28/01. With the accent on Summer and the kids, there will be a supervised water slide plus the ever popular mini-trotters. The "pick the last six winners" competition has jackpotted to $2150 (share) and, on the balance of probabilities must go off soon. The tote van will be there, the "funny money" bookie for those folks who want the thrill of a flutter without risking hard cash, and a monster raffle.Ice cream and coffee vans, best of country burgers,salad rolls, great desserts, and the cheapest cold beverage at any sporting event, make Marburg a family and budget friendly day out at the country trots. Adults $5, Pensioners, Members and Students $3 and the all important race book $3. Gates open 11.00am. Dont miss it!!

Calvert based Matt Elkins lit up the leader board this week, leaving his rivals in the dust while rating 350 from seven big wins. It was a case of "Elkins first, and the rest nowhere" . Chantal Turpin again topped the trainer's list, leading in four winners for the week. Most pleasing, Our Buscemi for Kay Crone and Dynamic Deejay for Mitchell Dawson. Matt Elkins in the sulky for both. Ipswich factor 26/44.